Digital Government

Advisory panel recommends GSA ax price reduction clause

Group studying Federal Supply Schedules program says vendors should not be obligated to offer government lowest prices.

Modernization

Senators want to bar contracts to foreign companies selling IT to Iran

Firms that export sensitive technology to the country would not be allowed to bid on or renew U.S. contracts, unless they halt Iranian exports.

Digital Government

White House approach to transparency gains favor -- for now

Open government advocates praise administration for adjusting its process to gather public input, but still wait for Obama's final directive to agencies.

People

2010 appropriations: House targets EPA financial systems modernization

White House officials say proposed cuts to EPA’s budget could put financial system modernization program at risk.

Ideas

White House Extends Collaboration

The White House apparently has listened to the public's request for more collaboration in drafting recommendations for an open government directive after <a href="http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090529_2525.php">drawing flack</a> for a short brainstorming session in May. The administration this week began the third and final phase of a <a href="http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090521_4542.php">public process</a> aimed at creating a more transparent, collaborative and participatory government.

Digital Government

A Cloud for the GI Bill System

At the Thursday <a href=http://www.nextgov.com/nextgov/ng_20090625_2930.php>hearing</a> hearing of the House Veterans Affairs Economic Opportunity Subcommittee on the post-9/11 GI bill, Mark Krause, a Veterans Affairs Department program manager who works at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Atlantic, said he is eyeing the use of cloud computing to host a spiffy new claims processing system for education benefit claims.

Cybersecurity

Britain to establish new cybersecurity office

The British government is establishing a new Office of Cyber Security, as part of a broader strategy dedicated to protecting Britain's information technology infrastructure.

Modernization

Research site adds social networking

A quick-share tool added to WorldWideScience.org makes it easier to share results through social-networking Web sites.

Digital Government

Connecting the Chiefs

Federal Computer Week <a href="http://fcw.com/articles/2009/06/25/zients-ofpp-management-web-2.0.aspx">reports</a> that newly-confirmed Chief Performance Officer Jeffrey Zients hopes to bring more cohesiveness to the federal chiefs community, mainly among chief acquisition officers, chief information officers and chief human capital officers.

Cybersecurity

Alexander: Military cybersecurity requires broader training

The man expected to head the new military cyber command says military cybersecurity efforts require broader-based training and improved support mechanisms for the military services, while also preserving civil liberties.

People

Acquisition community stuck in time, reader says

Social media might be way behind the mindset of some acquisition officials, who are still busy creating databases, says one reader.

Modernization

Display protocols critical in desktop virtualization battle

VMware and Citrix are taking different paths: Which company is likely to win?

People

Some doctors to get health IT help

The National Coordinator for Health Information Technology said he is dealing with the special health IT needs of doctors in small practices.

Cybersecurity

Napolitano endorses PASS ID bill

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has backed proposed legislation that would repeal part of the Real ID Act.